Jurgen Klopp dismisses concerns over Liverpool's defensive record

Jurgen Klopp has claimed he has no concerns over Liverpool’s recent defensive record, insisting the consistently low number of shots his team faces is the best measure of their solidity.

The Reds began the season with clean sheets in each of their first three games, but have conceded on four occasions in the same amount of fixtures since.

However, when asked if the loss of goals to Leicester City, Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain had him concerned, Klopp cut a relaxed figure.

“The goal we conceded against Tottenham was a set-piece, we missed the ball twice,” he said.

"The Paris goals everybody saw, we don’t point the finger too much but the first one was offside. Do we have to change much defensively for that?

“We don’t have to change [how we defend]. We are still in it to work on our rhythm and balance, to use the right tools in the right moment.

“More important than the number of goals you concede is the number of shots you get against you. If you are only blocking shots at the last moment, then you have a problem defensively.

"If you keep the other team away from your goal, that’s good defending. That’s we do most of the time, actually."

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James Milner has emerged as a key man in the centre of the park for the Reds during their perfect start to the new season, featuring from the off in all six games.

But Klopp isn’t surprised by the form of his No.7, or the contributions from other midfielders who were expected to be sidelined by the summer arrivals of Naby Keita and Fabinho.

He added: “What was it last year? Most assists in the Champions League? How can you be surprised when he’s doing similar things?

“In football it can sound like a massive age, 32, but he’s still young. He’s a proper professional, so his body gives him the opportunity.

“But it’s not only him. Two weeks ago people said we don’t need Jordan Henderson or whatever, then he plays like he played. Gini Wijnaldum maybe was not in the team when we made the signings, or whatever.

“The boys can still improve. Even James, and he is the best example for that. He is now in a position which he loves. He’s very energetic and lively and likes to cover big distances, that helps in midfield, but it helped us also at left-back. He can play football, which makes him a pretty valuable player, to be honest!”